Sobi buys Arthrosi to expand gout treatment pipeline

Core Insights - Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi) has agreed to acquire US-based Arthrosi Therapeutics for Skr9.1bn ($950m) in cash, with potential additional payments of up to Skr5.3bn ($550m) based on milestones [1][5] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition aims to enhance Sobi's presence in the gout treatment market [1] - Sobi will finance the upfront payment primarily through debt, utilizing existing credit facilities and a new credit facility from Handelsbanken and Danske Bank [4] - The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions [3] Group 2: Product and Market Impact - Arthrosi is developing pozdeutinurad, a next-generation urate transporter 1 (URAT1) inhibitor, currently in two Phase III trials for managing progressive and tophaceous gout, with results expected in 2026 [2][3] - The therapy aims to lower serum urate levels, reduce gout flares, and address tophi in patients with progressive forms of the disease [3] - The acquisition is anticipated to positively impact Sobi's mid to long-term growth and margin profile [5]